Kelowna Brewery Tour

If you’re heading to Kelowna and wondering what to do beyond its famous wineries, a craft beer tour might be just what you need. This Kelowna Brewery Tour offers a relaxed way to explore some of the area’s popular breweries, learn about how beer is made, and enjoy tastings—all with a friendly guide leading the way. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking to try something different, this experience is designed to be both fun and informative.

What we particularly like about this tour is its casual vibe—it’s not a fancy tasting event but a behind-the-scenes look at local breweries, making it approachable for everyone. Plus, the small group size ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get insider info. On the flip side, you’ll need to wear closed-toe shoes since you’ll be visiting working breweries, which might be a consideration if you’re in sandals or flip-flops.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy good company, are interested in local craft brews, and prefer a laid-back, informative outing. It’s perfect for friends traveling together, beer lovers wanting to explore Kelowna’s scene, or anyone curious about how craft beer is brewed in this vibrant region.

Key Points

• Includes tastings at three popular breweries, giving you a good variety of styles and flavors.
• Guided behind-the-scenes tours add educational value and insight into the brewing process.
• Transport is provided, making it easy to hop from brewery to brewery without fuss.
• Wear closed-toe shoes as you’ll visit working breweries, which is a safety requirement.
• Private pickup can be arranged for an additional fee, offering added convenience.
• Operates rain or shine, so dress appropriately regardless of the weather.

An In-Depth Look at the Kelowna Brewery Tour

If you’re considering this tour, knowing what to expect can make your day much more enjoyable. We’ve looked into the itinerary, reviews, and what makes this experience stand out to give you a detailed picture.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start Point and Timing:
The tour kicks off at 4:00 pm from 1301 Ellis St, Kelowna. It’s a manageable start time if you’re arriving in town earlier in the day, and it wraps up back at the starting point, leaving you free to explore Kelowna afterward. The entire experience lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes, which feels just right for a laid-back, insightful outing.

Stop 1: Kettle River Brewing Co
Your first stop is Kettle River Brewing, a local favorite with a taproom featuring ten rotating options plus wine, cider, and non-alcoholic drinks. This variety means you can sample a broad spectrum of beverages, whether you prefer a traditional beer, something fruity, or a soft drink. The brewery’s lineup generally includes core beers, seasonal options, and sometimes special collaborations, giving you a taste of their creative range. The guided tour here lasts about 55 minutes, and you’ll get to see how their beers are brewed, plus taste a flight of several samples.

Stop 2: Red Bird Brewing
Next is Red Bird Brewing, a brewery with a strong community vibe—it’s historically linked to Kelowna’s annual Regatta, which has been bringing locals and visitors together for years. During your 55-minute visit, you’ll experience another set of tastings, and the guide will share stories about the brewery’s roots and brewing philosophy. The reviews mention that guides are “fabulous, fun, and knowledgeable,” which really enhances the experience, making it feel more like catching up with a friend who just happens to know a lot about beer.

Stop 3: Barn Owl Brewing
Your final stop takes you to Barn Owl Brewing, housed in the historic Surtees Barn. The story here is that a few craft beer lovers decided to turn their passion into a brewery in 2018. The setting itself adds charm, and you’ll get to explore the barn’s rustic atmosphere while sampling more beers. Like the previous stops, this segment lasts around 55 minutes, and the guide continues to share insights into the local craft beer scene. Many reviewers highlight that guides are particularly knowledgeable, making the behind-the-scenes tours easy to follow and engaging.

The Experience – What You’ll Actually Do

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy a tasting flight at each brewery, which typically means around 4 to 6 samples per stop. The guide will explain the different styles, ingredients, and brewing techniques, helping you understand what makes each beer unique. If you’re new to craft beer, this is a terrific way to develop your palate and maybe find your new favorite.

Since the tour is conducted in working breweries, safety considerations are in place—wearing closed-toe shoes is necessary. The breweries are active production spaces, so expect some equipment and possibly a bit of noise, but nothing intrusive.

What Travelers Say

The lone review we found gave this experience a perfect 5 out of 5, describing it as a “great way to show friends Kelowna” with a mix of wine, beer, and cider. The reviewer praised the fabulous, fun, and knowledgeable guide, which echoes what many others seem to appreciate: the guides make a difference, making learning about beer enjoyable without feeling like a lecture.

Value for Money

At $89.07 per person, you’re paying for an immersive experience that includes tastings at three different breweries, a local guide, and transport. Considering that you’re visiting three breweries with a behind-the-scenes look, this is a pretty reasonable price—especially when compared to the cost of sampling beers on your own. Transport is by air-conditioned van, which adds comfort to the journey, and private pickup can be arranged for an extra fee if you’re staying somewhere more convenient.

Practical Considerations

• Booking in advance is recommended; it’s popular enough that most people book around 76 days ahead.
• The minimum drinking age is 19, so it’s not suitable for minors.
• The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately—think layers and sturdy shoes.
• Since it’s a small-group experience (maximum 13 travelers), you’ll get personalized attention and the chance to ask lots of questions.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy craft beer, want to learn more about the brewing process, or are simply looking for a fun, social outing. It’s particularly suited for small groups, couples, or friends traveling together. If you’re into storytelling or local history, you’ll appreciate the background shared during the visits.

It’s less suitable for those who prefer a more structured or luxurious wine tasting—this is more casual, and the focus is on the breweries themselves.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Kelowna and want to explore the local craft beer scene, this tour offers a well-rounded, friendly introduction. The knowledgeable guides elevate the experience, making complex brewing processes accessible and fun. The hop between three breweries ensures variety, and the tastings will likely lead you to discover new favorites.

While it’s not a tour for those who dislike walking or visiting active breweries, if you’re open-minded and curious about local craft brews, this will be a highlight. Plus, with the option to organize private pickup, it can be tailored to your schedule and convenience.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just looking to try something different from the region’s wine scene, this Kelowna Brewery Tour is a good choice—relaxed, engaging, and full of local flavor.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transport by an air-conditioned van, making it easy to get from brewery to brewery.

Can I join this tour if I don’t drink alcohol?
Since tastings are part of the experience, this tour is geared towards those who can legally drink (19+). Non-alcoholic options are available at Kettle River Brewing, but the focus is on beer tastings.

Is private pickup available?
Yes, private pickup can be arranged for an additional fee, adding extra convenience if you’re staying outside the main meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including visits to three breweries.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for active brewery visits—closed-toe shoes are required for safety reasons. Weather-appropriate clothing is also recommended since the tour operates rain or shine.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, the minimum drinking age is 19, so this experience isn’t suitable for children or teenagers.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 13 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of knowledgeable guides, behind-the-scenes brewery visits, and a relaxed atmosphere makes this a memorable way to experience Kelowna’s craft beer scene.

Is the tour suitable for families or groups with children?
Since the tour involves visiting working breweries and is centered around alcohol tastings, it’s best suited for adults. Not ideal for children or families traveling with minors.

If you’re after an authentic, friendly look at Kelowna’s craft beer culture, this tour offers a solid, enjoyable way to spend part of your visit. Cheers!